Exploring the use of mouth guards in Muay Thai: a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVE: To identify Muay Thai participants' attitudes towards use of mouth guards and their experiences of dental trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was used to record Muay Thai participants' experiences and opinions regarding use of mouth guards. Participants were recruited from a Muay Thai gym in the north east of England. RESULTS: 92 respondents took part in the survey. 3% reported having never worn a mouth guard, whereas 61% reported routinely wearing mouth guards during a fight. Significantly more (73%) younger participants (18–29 years) reported wearing mouth guards during fights compared to those aged 30 years and older (50%) (p < 0.05). Mouth-formed ('boil and bite') were the most frequently used type of mouth guard (60% of users), followed by custom-made mouth guards provided by a dentist (32%). Factors such as protection, breathing, good fit and comfort were all considered important in the choice of mouth guard. Fourteen percent of respondents had experienced dental injuries, with chipped/broken teeth being the most common. CONCLUSION: Given the risk for dental trauma in Muay Thai, it is important that participants are advised regarding mouth guard use, particularly those that do not routinely wear them.

Kimberley Pickering, Susan M. Bissett, Richard Holliday, Christopher Vernazza, Philip M. Preshaw